VVS students welcome FFA members from Connecticut

VERONA>> The Vernona-Verona-Sherrill FFA Chapter got some special guests this week from out of state.

The chapter participated in it's 6th exchange program, and brought in 4 members of Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted, Connecticut. This is the fourth state the program has excanged students with. In the past, the VVS FFA has entertained guests from Denmark, Wisconsin, Mumford, Tennessee, John Browne in New York City, and Lake Norman, North Carolina.

In order to participate in the program, we had to fill out applications and medical forms," said VVS Chapter Reporter, Sophomore Amanda Burkle. The four students from VVS that participated including Burkle and Sophomore Ashley Findlay went to Connecticut to stay with their exchange families and partners a few weeks before the Connecticut students visited VVS.

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The students from Northwestern Regional High School noted that although the school sizes are relatively similar, the FFA programs are very different. Northwestern has a larger greenhouse and a smaller maple production program, and where VVS only has a few different agriculture classes to offer, Northwestern offers specialized courses in subjects like animal biology and plant production.

"I take animal science classes mostly in Connecticut," said Nortwestern FFA Vice President Casey Watson. "The classes are less specialized here at VVS. It seems like we have more diverse programs." Watson was glad to spend time with VVS and their maple program though, as the maple program offered at Northwestern is on a much smaller scale.

"I really liked going out to tap maple here," said Northwestern FFA President Katie Yetter. "We have such a small maple program back home." Both Yetter and Watson said they enjoyed learning about the willow evaporator because the system is state of the art and much different than what they use at their school.

"It was cool to go to school in Connecticut with Katie because she takes such different classes than I do," said Findlay.

"I think it's important to learn how FFA kids are involved in ag programs from state to state," said Yetter, "how other fulfill their desire and passion to be part of agriculture."